My Journey to Making My First $1,000 from Blogging (Still in Progress!)
Starting a blog is exciting, but turning it into a profitable venture is a whole different challenge. Like many new bloggers, I started with big dreams of making passive income, but the reality has been tougher than I expected. I haven’t made my first dollar yet, but I’m committed to figuring out what works and sharing my journey along the way.
In this post, I’ll break down what I’m doing to get my blog off the ground, the mistakes I’ve made, and key lessons I’m learning as I work toward making my first $1,000.
📌 Follow my blogging journey at TheShailyEdit.com.
My Blogging Journey: How It Started
I launched my blog in January 2025 with the goal of sharing tech, baking, lifestyle and encouraging others to join me in my blogging career. I envisioned building a site that would attract thousands of visitors and generate income through ads, affiliate marketing, and digital products.
But the initial reality has been different:
Low website traffic
No monetization yet
Struggling to stay consistent with content
Despite the challenges, I’m staying committed and continuously testing different strategies to grow my blog.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To!)
Here are some of the biggest mistakes that slowed down my progress:
1. Not Focusing on SEO from the Start
I wrote blog posts without keyword research, which meant they didn’t rank on Google. Lesson learned: Use tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to find low-competition keywords.
2. Trying to Monetize Too Early
I initially thought I could make money right away, but I now realize that I need to build an engaged audience first before focusing on monetization.
3. Inconsistent Posting Schedule
Some months, I post consistently, and other months, I barely write anything. I’m learning that consistency is key to blog growth.
4. Ignoring Pinterest & Social Media
I relied only on Google for traffic, but platforms like Pinterest and TikTok can be huge sources of blog visitors.
What’s Actually Working for Me Now
Since I haven’t made any money yet, here’s what I’m actively working on to start seeing results:
1. SEO-Optimized Content
I now write posts that answer real questions people search for. Every post follows a structure:
A keyword-rich title
Subheadings with related search terms
Internal links to my other blog posts
2. Pinterest Traffic Growth
I’ve started creating eye-catching Pinterest pins and posting consistently to drive traffic faster than Google SEO alone.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Instead of relying on ads right away, I’ve been researching affiliate programs in my niche and signing up for ones that align with my content. My goal is to recommend products I actually use and eventually start earning commissions.
4. Building an Email List
I recently set up an email opt-in to capture visitors and keep them engaged. Email subscribers are more likely to buy from you!
My Goal: Reaching My First $1,000
Here’s my plan for how I hope to make my first $1,000 from blogging:
Affiliate Marketing: Focus on recommending products I genuinely use
Ad Revenue (Google AdSense): Apply once I have steady traffic
Digital Product Sales (Ebook, Templates, etc.): Plan to create and sell digital products on Etsy
I know it will take time, but I’m committed to learning and improving as I go.
Lessons Learned & What’s Next
Patience is key – Blogging is a long game, but consistent effort pays off.
Diversify income streams – Don’t rely on just one way to earn.
Keep learning & improving – Blogging success comes from testing what works and doubling down on it.
My next goal is to reach 1,000 monthly visitors and start seeing my first earnings!
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to make money with your blog, you’re not alone! I’m right there with you, figuring things out as I go.
📌 Follow my blogging journey at TheShailyEdit.com for updates and tips.
Are you working toward your first $1,000 too? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your journey!
